Wednesday, 17 September 2008

Most people will suffer from a tension headache at some point in their life. But for some they experience these headaches on a daily basis.

This type of headache can last from half an hour to several days and often grows in severity throughout the day. The pain can range from moderate to severe but is not usually accompanied with other symptoms like a migraine is.

Tension headaches can be caused by emotional tension, stress and anxiety; physical tension in the neck, back of the skull, and the scalp; and triggers, such as caffeine, tiredness, bright light, etc.

Here are a few things that can help with tension headaches.- Compresses. Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to some hot or cold water. Place a small towel in to the water, ring out the excess water, fold in half and place on your forehead, and/or neck. Try using a gel eye mask which can be cooled in the fridge before placing over your eyes.- Essential Oils. Peppermint, roman chamomile, lavender and eucalyptus are all effective essential oils for relieving headaches. Place 4-6 drops of your chosen oil in an oil burner, add a drop to a tissue and inhale, or add 5 drops to 10ml of massage carrier oil and massage in to your forehead, temples, and back of neck.- Massage. A professional massage from a trained therapist can help with relaxation, stress relief and target any tense and painful muscles which could be contributing to your headaches. I would recommend either an Indian Head Massage or an Aromatherapy back, face and scalp massage.- Exercise. Exercise is good for the mind, not just the body. Exercise provides a way for the body to release tension and pent-up frustration therefore helping with stress relief.- Posture. Keep an eye on your posture when you are sat at your desk or at home in front of the TV as poor posture can put strain on the muscles in your neck and shoulders which can contribute to tension headaches. Also, when reading or using a computer, ensure there is adequate lighting so you do not strain your eyes.- Meditation. There is a wide variety of meditation CDs available on the market today and these are a great way to spend some time relaxing and looking after yourself.

If you are unsure of what is causing the tension headaches, it might be useful to keep a diary to see if any patterns emerge. You may then be able to make some adjustments to your lifestyle and avoid any triggers which may be causing the headaches.

1 comment:

Thanks for the guidance here.Yes I suffer from headaches at a regular basis and after being addicted to taking a pill a day or more than that I have finally stopped and am trying Yoga and breathing exercises.Medical Billing Software

About Balance Holistics

My name is Sarah Mortimer and I am a qualified practitioner in Reiki, Aromatherapy Massage, Indian Head Massage, Swedish Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Hopi Ear Candling, and Reflexology. My business, Balance Holistics, offers this range of holistic therapies in Bristol. I am also a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist. I offer a mobile service in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire areas and I also work from The Healing Rooms on Gloucester Road, Bristol. Appointments are available morning, afternoon, evening and weekends. I also offer Pamper Parties.

My Qualifications

VTCT Diplomas in Anatomy & Physiology, Holistic Therapies (Aromatherapy Massage, Swedish Massage & Reflexology) and Indian Head Massage. Certificates in Hot Stone Massage and Thermo-Auricular Therapy (Hopi Ear Candling). Reiki Levels I, II and Master/Teacher Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy (DHP) and a Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (HPD). I am a member of the ICHT (International Council of Holistic Therapists), the FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists), the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH). Currently studying towards a Hypnotherapy Practitioners Diploma (HPD). I am a student member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH).

Ask Me A Question

If you would like to ask me a question about Holistic Therapies, please email me and I will try my best to answer it in a post. Please also let me know your name and where you are from so that I can mention in the post who asked the question, for example, Sarah from Bristol, UK.